Right now you are probably overwhelmed with homework. You spend countless hours a day studying, writing essays, and completing homework assignments. Winter break seems far off. And reading this blog seems like the best way to procrastinate from the to-do list that is giving you a headache. If you are like me, you probably haven’t given much thought to what you will actually do during winter break. All you can think about is break – no classes, no essays, no exams. I am excited to sleep in and catch up on my favorite show. I just want to rest. And while rest is important, I know that after a few weeks I feel bored. Lethargic. Wasteful. So many times I look back on school vacations only to realize I accomplished nothing, and I feel a little frustrated. Was my break even restful? As a student, and as someone who works for Bridges, I have experienced many winter breaks. And I have come up with some habits that help me end break with a sense of accomplishment and allow me to truly be refreshed. 1.) Set a schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times. I know what you are thinking – you want to sleep as much as possible! So sleep as much as you want for 2-3 days, then settle into a healthy sleeping pattern. You will feel more lethargic if you sleep too much. Also, try to plan out your days – figure out when you will eat, watch TV, visit friends, etc. You don’t have to stick to your schedule tightly, however, having an idea of what your day looks like helps you feel more accomplished. 2.) Keep studying. Lame, I know. But some of you will be out of school for 6-8 weeks. That is a long time. You could forget what you learned in your prerequisite classes or lose some of your English vocabulary. Get a jump start on reading textbooks for next semester, or find other materials that relate to your major. This is the chance to study the things you want to study, so take advantage of it. 3.) Learn a new hobby. Studying can’t fill your time; so learn something new! Take the extra time to invest in a hobby that you’ve always wanted to try. One summer, I attempted to learn how to sew. I asked a friend to teach me and we spent so much time laughing as I constantly pricked myself with the needle. In the end, I made a terrible vest, suitable only for the back of my closet, but I was proud that I actually did something new. 4.) Invest in relationships. How many times have you turned friends away during the school year? Now is the time to call them up and finally hang out with no worries about getting home to study. Text your American friends or other international students who are here for the winter. Facetime your mom spontaneously to make her feel special. Winter break is the perfect opportunity to care for others the way you want to be cared for yourself. 5.) Go to Vision Conference. Of course I am telling you to go to Vision Conference – this is a Bridges blog! But in all seriousness, winter break is a time to invest in what actually matters. What is your purpose? Why are you here? How can you find true fulfillment? Where can you find love that truly satisfies? Vision conference is trying to answer all these questions. Sign up to join us at www.visionconf.com! Invest in your spiritual journey as you invest in your social and academic endeavors. Winter break is a crucial time. You can spend it sleeping all day, eating junk food, watching TV, and doing other things that may leave you feeling wasteful and frustrated. Or you can spend it brushing up on old skills, learning new hobbies, and investing in your social and spiritual life and perhaps you can end break feeling successful and refreshed!